Sport

Thorpe laments the rain

ROSS Thorpe says he is jealous of old club Sutton Coldfield Town’s all-weather pitch as heavy rain continues to play havoc with Alvechurch’s season.

The Churchmen saw another match called off after an intense burst of rain 20 minutes before kick-off forced off the clash at Causeway United in the Midland Alliance.

Thorpe did manage to arrange a friendly at former club Sutton on their impressive 3G pitch at Coles Lane last night.

He said: “Saturday was incredible. The pitch looked absolutely fine when we got there but about 20 minutes before the game there was an absolutely huge downpour.

“We came out to see water on the pitch. We’ve got no luck when it comes to games at all,” said Alvechurch boss Thorpe.

“Luckily I have managed to arrange a friendly which suits both us and Sutton.
“For the last few seasons the weather has blind-sided teams, and even if the season is extended it won’t be enough.
“Teams are going to have to start looking at contingency plans. I think if our chairman could afford a 3G pitch he would do it tomorrow, but they are very expensive.”
With the big backlog of games, Thorpe has brought in striker Ryan Ward.

Ward started the season at Boldmere St Michaels and was loaned out to Paget Rangers in the Midland Combination Division Two where he scored 12 goals before picking up a ban for three red cards.

He fills the gap left by Jo Wright, who moved to a new job in London. Alvechurch entertain Shepshed on Saturday (3pm ko) and Quorn on Tuesday (7.45pm ko).